Last week, Supervisor Peter Adam called for a hearing on the county’s contract with the methadone clinic Aegis Treatment Centers, after realizing “this is not what I previously understood was the theory of the program.” The contract renewal — which is reimbursed by Medi-Cal — is for up to $3.6 million.
“Some information has come to light for me that causes me some concern and I need to be convinced that this contract is in the best interest of our county,” said Adam, the most outspoken conservative on the Board of Supervisors.
It is not a question of whether or not the county should provide methadone, a controlled substance used to treat pain or to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to opioids. “We can’t deny anyone methadone,” said John Doyel, the county’s Alcohol and Drug guru. “That’s against the law.”